Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are Southside, South Berkeley, and Downtown Berkeley. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of May 4, 2026, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,263, which is 1.1% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Southside
Average Rent
$1,661/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.8%
Units Available
13 Rentals
Southside is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $1,661. Compare this to the city average of $2,263. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.8%. Southside provides easy access to People's Park, Berkeley City College, and Macarthur.
South Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,558/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.1%
Units Available
208 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, South Berkeley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,558, while the city’s average stands at $2,263. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.1%. South Berkeley is near Habitot Children's Museum, Rockridge, and UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology.
Downtown Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,690/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
Units Available
311 Rentals
Downtown Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Berkeley is $2,690 while the city average is $2,263. This is a 0.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Berkeley City College, North Berkeley, and 2450-2480 Shattuck Avenue Corner.
Aquatic Park
Average Rent
$2,766/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
Units Available
13 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Aquatic Park. The average rent is $2,766, compared to the city average of $2,263. Rent prices have increased by 0.8%. Aquatic Park is convenient to 2551-2555 San Pablo Ave, Ashby Station, and The Public Market.
Southwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,824/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
Units Available
55 Rentals
Southwest Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,824. Compare this to the city average of $2,263. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.9%. Southwest Berkeley provides easy access to Samuel Merritt University, Strawberry Creek Park, and The Public Market.
Northwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,854/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6.3%
Units Available
44 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Northwest Berkeley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,854, while the city’s average stands at $2,263. In the last year, prices have increased by 6.3%. Northwest Berkeley is near Fourth Street Berkeley, Rockridge, and Berkeley City College.
North Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,891/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
Units Available
131 Rentals
North Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in North Berkeley is $2,891 while the city average is $2,263. This is a -1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Ashby Station, Live Oak Park, and San Francisco International.
Elmwood
Average Rent
$8,281/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
Units Available
43 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Elmwood. The average rent is $8,281, compared to the city average of $2,263. Rent prices have increased by 0.5%. Elmwood is convenient to Rockridge, Southside Square, and Samuel Merritt University.
Ready to make your move to Berkeley? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!
Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.